INQUISITR.COM / Entertainment

Harry Potter coming to Universal Orland Resort [PICS]

By Steven Hodson
Published on: 06:30 PST, Sep 15, 2009

The march of Harry Potter continues with what has to be one of the largest expansions for the franchise yet with the announcement and details of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that is set to launch in the spring of 2010.

Working closely with J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. theme park giant Universal Orlando Resort is looking to provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience that will include

At the entrance of Hogsmeade, billowing steam and an iconic whistle signal the arrival of the Hogwarts Express into Hogsmeade station

Across the way is Zonko’s, a joke shop with a collection of tricks and jokes, including Extendable Ears, Boxing Telescopes and Sneakoscopes

Honeydukes is next door and full of treats like Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans

The Three Broomsticks and adjacent Hog’s Head pub will feature traditional British fare and drinks including Butterbeer and pumpkin juice

Across from the Three Broomsticks is TheOwlery, where owls roost and await their next delivery

The Owl Post sends letters with a certified Hogsmeade postmark and sells official stamps from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Ollivanders wand shop is an incredible interactive experience where the wand chooses the wizard

Completing Hogsmeade is Dervish and Banges, the magical instruments and equipment shop featuring Quidditch equipment, Triwizard apparel, Spectrespecs and Remembralls

The first attraction, Dragon Challenge, features a twin high-speed roller coaster with many iconic elements from the Triwizard Tournament

Next is Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster simulating a Hippogriff training flight over the grounds of Hogwarts castle

Located in Hogwarts castle, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a thrilling new state-of-the-art attraction that uses entirely new technology to bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before experienced

Before exiting back into Hogsmeade, Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods isfull ofMinistry of Magic and magical creatures merchandise, Omnioculars, and even remote control Golden Snitches

From the press release

“All of the action and adventures of Harry Potter’s world will come to life here at Universal Orlando Resort,” said Tom Williams, chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts. “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be unlike any other experience on earth and we can’t wait to see the looks on our guests’ faces as they enter this rich environment.”

Here are some of the artist rendering of this new addition to the theme park